Capacitive proximity sensor configuration including an antenna ground plane

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of a capacitive sensor configuration for proximity detection by a playback device are provided. A example playback device includes a capacitive proximity sensor and a radio frequency (RF) antenna. While a grounding plane of the capacitive proximity sensor is decoupled from a grounding plane of the RF antenna, the playback device determines that the playback device will be rendering audio, and responsively causes the grounding plane of the capacitive proximity sensor to be coupled to the grounding plane of the RF antenna while the playback device is rendering audio.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to, and is acontinuation of, U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No.14/041,282, filed on Sep. 30, 2013, entitled “Capacitive ProximitySensor Configuration Including an Antenna Ground Plane,” which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure is related to consumer goods and, more particularly, tomethods, systems, products, features, services, and other items directedto media playback or some aspect thereof.

BACKGROUND

Digital music has become readily available due in part to thedevelopment of consumer level technology that has allowed people tolisten to digital music on a personal audio device. The consumer'sincreasing preference for digital audio has also resulted in theintegration of personal audio devices into PDAs, cellular phones, andother mobile devices. The portability of these mobile devices hasenabled people to take the music listening experience with them andoutside of the home. People have become able to consume digital music,like digital music files or even Internet radio, in the home through theuse of their computer or similar devices. Now there are many differentways to consume digital music, in addition to other digital contentincluding digital video and photos, stimulated in many ways byhigh-speed Internet access at home, mobile broadband Internet access,and the consumer's hunger for digital media.

Until recently, options for accessing and listening to digital audio inan out-loud setting were severely limited. In 2005, Sonos offered forsale its first digital audio system that enabled people to, among manyother things, access virtually unlimited sources of audio via one ormore networked connected zone players, dynamically group or ungroup zoneplayers upon command, wirelessly send the audio over a local networkamongst zone players, and play the digital audio out loud acrossmultiple zone players in synchrony. The Sonos system can be controlledby software applications running on network capable mobile devices andcomputers.

Given the insatiable appetite of consumers towards digital media, therecontinues to be a need to develop consumer technology thatrevolutionizes the way people access and consume digital media.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features, aspects, and advantages of the presently disclosed technologymay be better understood with regard to the following description,appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 shows an example configuration in which certain embodiments maybe practiced;

FIG. 2A shows an illustration of an example zone player having abuilt-in amplifier and transducers;

FIG. 2B shows an illustration of an example zone player having abuilt-in amplifier and connected to external speakers;

FIG. 2C shows an illustration of an example zone player connected to anA/V receiver and speakers;

FIG. 3 shows an illustration of an example controller;

FIG. 4 shows an internal functional block diagram of an example zoneplayer;

FIG. 5 shows an internal functional block diagram of an examplecontroller;

FIG. 6 shows an example playback queue configuration for a network mediasystem;

FIG. 7 shows an example ad-hoc playback network;

FIG. 8 shows a system including a plurality of networks including acloud-based network and at least one local playback network;

FIG. 9 shows an example flow diagram for configuring a proximity sensormodule on a playback device;

FIG. 10 shows an example playback device with a control panel;

FIG. 11 shows an example configuration of an infrared (IR) sensor and acapacitive sensor implemented along a control panel;

FIG. 12A shows a first example configuration of a capacitive sensorimplemented along a control panel of a playback device; and

FIG. 12B shows a second example configuration of a capacitive sensorimplemented along a control panel of a playback device.

In addition, the drawings are for the purpose of illustrating exampleembodiments, but it is understood that the inventions are not limited tothe arrangements and instrumentality shown in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

I. Overview

Embodiments described herein involve intelligently revealing selectableicons on a control panel of a playback device based on proximitydetection, and further involve configurations of capacitive proximitysensors for detecting physical movement within a wider proximal range ofthe playback device.

In one example, the control panel of the playback device may include oneor more back-lit icons or buttons selectable by a user to controlfunctions of the playback device. In some cases, such as for purposes ofenergy conservation or room-ambience preservation, the icons may beconfigured to remain dark or dimmed by default, and illuminated when adetermination has been made that a user may wish to view and potentiallyselect the icon. As such, illumination of the icons may be based on aproximity detection of the user approaching the playback device.

A proximity sensor module of the playback device may be configured todetect physical movement or presence such as that of the user, within aproximal range of the playback device. The icons may then be illuminatedbased on a detection of the physical movement or presence. The proximitysensor module may include one or more different types of sensors, suchas a capacitive sensors, infrared (IR) sensors, and photo-sensors. Othertypes of sensors are also possible.

In one example, the proximity sensor module may include a capacitivesensor configured to detect a change in capacitance near the controlpanel of the playback device. In some cases however, such as if theplayback device is located near a plasma television, the capacitivesensor may be falsely triggered while the plasma television is on. Inone example, a gain of the capacitive sensor may be reduced in thepresence of the plasma television to reduce false triggers. However, areduced capacitive sensor gain may result in signals indicating thephysical movement becoming indistinguishable from a baseline noisesignal for the capacitive sensor. Additional signal processing may beperformed to better distinguish the signals, but may result in slowerresponse times.

In another example, the proximity sensor module may include an IR sensorconfigured to detect reflected infrared light pulses. In some caseshowever, if the ambient light level of the playback device is high, theIR sensor may be flooded by the high ambient light level such that theIR sensor may not be able to reliably discern the reflected light pulsesfrom the baseline ambient light.

In one embodiment of the present application, the proximity sensormodule may include both a capacitive sensor and an IR sensor configuredto complimentarily detect physical movement or presence, with reducedfalse triggers and improved detection. In one example, respectivesensitivities of the capacitive sensor and the IR sensor may be adjustedbased on the ambient light level around the playback device. Forinstance, an ambient light sensor, which may be the IR sensor and/oranother type of sensor, may be configured to determine the ambient lightlevel.

For the IR sensor, if the ambient light level is high, a dynamic rangeof the IR sensor may be reduced, and a pulse width of infrared lightpulses generated from the IR sensor may be lengthened. On the otherhand, if the ambient light level is low, the dynamic range of the IRsensor may be increased, and the pulse width of infrared light pulsesmay be shortened. For the capacitive sensor, if the ambient light levelis high, a gain of the capacitive sensor may be increased, and if theambient light level is low, the gain of the capacitive sensor may bereduced. In one example, different combinations of IR sensor dynamicranges and infrared light pulse widths may be configured for differentlevels of ambient light, and different capacitive sensor gain levels maybe configured for different levels of ambient light.

In combination, when the ambient light level is high, the capacitivesensor may become more sensitive due to the increased gain level, whilethe IR sensor may become less sensitive due to the reduced dynamic rangeand increased infrared light pulse width. On the other hand, when theambient light level is low, the capacitive sensor may become lesssensitive due to the decreased gain level, while the IR sensor maybecome more sensitive due to the increased dynamic range and shortedinfrared light pulse widths. As indicated above, differentconfigurations of IR sensor and capacitive sensor sensitivities may beimplemented for different levels of ambient light. Based on this exampleembodiment, the back-lit icons on the control panel of the playbackdevice may be illuminated when either the IR sensor or the capacitivesensor detects the physical movement or presence of the user within theproximal range of the playback device.

The capacitive sensor may also compliment the IR sensor by providingadditional off-axis detections. For instance, the IR sensor may bepositioned along a top side of the playback device and accordingly, mayhave a detection range limited to space above the playback device. Inthis case, an approach of the user from the front side of the playbackdevice may not be detected by the IR sensor. The capacitive sensorhowever, may be less directional and may provide detection of physicalmovement from the front side of the playback device, even if thecapacitive sensor is positioned along the top side of the playbackdevice as well.

In some embodiments of the present application, the off-axis, orzero-degree approach detection by capacitive sensors may further beimproved by coupling an antenna of the capacitive sensor to othercomponents of the playback device. In one example, the playback devicemay be configured to communicate via wireless communication and mayinclude an RF antenna component. In one case, an RF antenna ground planeof the RF antenna component may be oriented orthogonally to thecapacitive sensor, and coupling the antenna of the capacitive sensor tothe RF antenna ground plane may provide detection in an axial directionorthogonal to the axial direction of the capacitive sensor. In the casethe capacitive sensor is positioned along the top surface of theplayback device, the axial direction of the capacitive sensor may bedirected to the space above the playback device. In this case, if the RFantenna ground is along the front surface of the playback device, theorthogonal axial direction provided by coupling the antenna of thecapacitive sensor to the RF antenna ground may be directed to the spacein front of the playback device. Accordingly, the capacitive sensor mayprovide improved detection of physical movement in the space in front ofthe playback device.

In some cases, the playback device may include a speaker grille coveringthe front surface of the playback device. Similar to the RF antennacomponent, the speaker grille may also be coupled to the antenna of thecapacitive sensor, thereby providing improved detection of physicalmovement in the space in front of the playback device. In some caseshowever, playback of audio by the playback device may generatesufficient change in capacitance detected by the speaker grille andcause false triggers. As such, in one embodiment, the speaker grille andthe antenna of the capacitive sensor may be coupled when the playbackdevice is not playing audio content, and decoupled when the playbackdevice is playing audio content.

While the discussions above are directed to proximity detection for thepurposes of revealing icons or buttons on the control panel of theplayback device, one having ordinary skill in the art will appreciatethat proximity detection may be utilized in other capacities as well.For instance, a playback device may pre-cache audio content inanticipation of a user providing input via the control panel to causethe playback device to playback audio content. In another instance, theplayback device may be in an in-active state such that an amplifier ofthe playback device may be turned off to reduce power consumption whilethe playback device is not playing audio content. In this instance, theamplifier of the playback device may be turned on in anticipation of auser providing input via the control panel to cause the playback deviceto playback audio content based on proximity detection. Other examplesare also possible.

As indicated above, the present application involves a capacitive sensorconfiguration for proximity detection by a playback device. In oneaspect, a playback device is provided. The playback device includes acapacitive proximity sensor configured to detect physical movement in afirst direction. The capacitive proximity sensor includes a first metalelectrode. The playback device further includes a radio frequency (RF)antenna ground plane oriented at a relative angle to the capacitiveproximity sensor. The RF antenna ground plane is coupled to the firstmetal electrode of the capacitive proximity sensor such that thecapacitive proximity sensor is further configured to detect physicalmovement in a second direction. The second direction is at substantiallythe relative angle to the first direction. The playback device furtherincludes a processor, and memory having stored thereon instructionsexecutable by the processor to cause the playback device to performfunctions. The functions includes determining based on a detection ofphysical movement by the capacitive proximity sensor, a physicalapproach of an entity towards the playback device from one or more ofthe first direction and the second direction.

In another aspect, a method is provided. The method involves determiningan ambient light level based on a detection by a light sensor of ambientlight of a control area for a playback device, and adjusting, based onthe ambient light level, a sensitivity of a capacitive proximity sensor.The capacitive proximity sensor is configured to detect a physicalmovement in a first direction, and the capacitive proximity sensor iscoupled to a radio frequency (RF) antenna ground plane oriented at arelative angle to the capacitive proximity sensor. The RF antenna groundplane is coupled to the first metal electrode of the capacitiveproximity sensor such that the capacitive proximity sensor is furtherconfigured to detect physical movement in a second direction. The seconddirection is at substantially the relative angle to the first direction.The method also involves determining, based on a detection of physicalmovement by the capacitive proximity sensor, a physical approach of anentity towards the playback device from one or more of the firstdirection and the second direction, and responsively causing a controlarea of the playback device to be illuminated.

In yet another aspect, a non-transitory computer readable memory isprovided. The non-transitory computer readable memory has stored thereoninstructions executable by a computing device to cause the computingdevice to perform functions. The function include determining an ambientlight level based on a detection by a light sensor of ambient light of acontrol area for a playback device, and adjusting, based on the ambientlight level, a sensitivity of a capacitive proximity sensor, wherein thecapacitive proximity sensor is configured to detect a physical movementin a first direction. The capacitive proximity sensor is coupled to aradio frequency (RF) antenna ground plane oriented at a relative angleto the capacitive proximity sensor. The RF antenna ground plane iscoupled to the first metal electrode of the capacitive proximity sensorsuch that the capacitive proximity sensor is further configured todetect physical movement in a second direction. The second direction isat substantially the relative angle to the first direction. Thefunctions further include determining, based on a detection of physicalmovement by the capacitive proximity sensor, a physical approach of anentity towards the playback device from one or more of the firstdirection and the second direction, and responsively causing a controlarea of the playback device to be illuminated.

Other embodiments, as those discussed in the following and others as canbe appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art are alsopossible.

II. Example Operating Environment

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals can refer to likeparts throughout the figures, FIG. 1 shows an example media systemconfiguration 100 in which one or more embodiments disclosed herein canbe practiced or implemented.

By way of illustration, the media system configuration 100 is associatedwith a home having multiple zones, although it should be understood thatthe home could be configured with only one zone. Additionally, one ormore zones can be added to the configuration 100 over time. Each zonemay be assigned by a user to a different room or space, such as, forexample, an office, bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, dining room, familyroom, home theater room, utility or laundry room, and patio. A singlezone might also include multiple rooms or spaces if so configured. Withrespect to FIG. 1, one or more of zone players 102-124 are shown in eachrespective zone. Zone players 102-124, also referred to herein asplayback devices, multimedia units, speakers, players, and so on,provide audio, video, and/or audiovisual output. A controller 130 (e.g.,shown in the kitchen for purposes of this illustration) provides controlto the media system configuration 100. Controller 130 may be fixed to azone, or alternatively, mobile such that it can be moved about thezones. The media system configuration 100 may also include more than onecontroller 130, and additional controllers may be added to the systemover time.

The media system configuration 100 illustrates an example whole housemedia system, though it is understood that the technology describedherein is not limited to, among other things, its particular place ofapplication or to an expansive system like a whole house media system100 of FIG. 1.

a. Example Zone Players

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C show example types of zone players. Zone players200, 202, and 204 of FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, respectively, can correspondto any of the zone players 102-124 of FIG. 1, for example. In someembodiments, audio is reproduced using only a single zone player, suchas by a full-range player. In some embodiments, audio is reproducedusing two or more zone players, such as by using a combination offull-range players or a combination of full-range and specializedplayers. In some embodiments, zone players 200-204 may also be referredto as a “smart speaker,” because they contain processing capabilitiesbeyond the reproduction of audio, more of which is described below.

FIG. 2A illustrates a zone player 200 that includes sound producingequipment 208 capable of reproducing full-range sound. The sound maycome from an audio signal that is received and processed by zone player200 over a wired or wireless data network. Sound producing equipment 208includes one or more built-in amplifiers and one or more acoustictransducers (e.g., speakers). A built-in amplifier is described morebelow with respect to FIG. 4. A speaker or acoustic transducer caninclude, for example, any of a tweeter, a mid-range driver, a low-rangedriver, and a subwoofer. In some embodiments, zone player 200 can bestatically or dynamically configured to play stereophonic audio,monaural audio, or both. In some embodiments, zone player 200 may bedynamically configured to reproduce a subset of full-range sound, suchas when zone player 200 is grouped with other zone players to playstereophonic audio, monaural audio, and/or surround audio or when themedia content received by zone player 200 is less than full-range.

FIG. 2B illustrates zone player 202 that includes a built-in amplifierto power a set of detached speakers 210. A detached speaker can include,for example, any type of loudspeaker. Zone player 202 may be configuredto power one, two, or more separate loudspeakers. Zone player 202 may beconfigured to communicate an audio signal (e.g., right and left channelaudio or more channels depending on its configuration) to the detachedspeakers 210 via a wired path.

FIG. 2C illustrates zone player 204 that does not include a built-inamplifier, but is configured to communicate an audio signal, receivedover a data network, to an audio (or “audio/video”) receiver 214 withbuilt-in amplification.

Referring back to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, one, some, or all of thezone players 102 to 124 can retrieve audio directly from a source. Forexample, a particular zone player in a zone or zone group may beassigned to a playback queue (or “queue”). The playback queue containsinformation corresponding to zero or more audio items for playback bythe associated zone or zone group. The playback queue may be stored inmemory on a zone player or some other designated device. Each itemcontained in the playback queue may comprise a uniform resourceidentifier (URI) or some other identifier that can be used by the zoneplayer(s) to seek out and/or retrieve the audio items from theidentified audio source(s). Depending on the item, the audio sourcemight be found on the Internet (e.g., the cloud), locally from anotherdevice over the data network 128 (described further below), from thecontroller 130, stored on the zone player itself, or from an audiosource communicating directly to the zone player. In some embodiments,the zone player can reproduce the audio itself (e.g., play the audio),send the audio to another zone player for reproduction, or both wherethe audio is reproduced by the zone player as well as one or moreadditional zone players (possibly in synchrony). In some embodiments,the zone player may play a first audio content (or alternatively, maynot play the content at all), while sending a second, different audiocontent to another zone player(s) for reproduction. To the user, eachitem in a playback queue is represented on an interface of a controllerby an element such as a track name, album name, radio station name,playlist, or other some other representation. A user can populate theplayback queue with audio items of interest. The user may also modifyand clear the playback queue, if so desired.

By way of illustration, SONOS, Inc. of Santa Barbara, Calif. presentlyoffers for sale zone players referred to as a “PLAY:5,” “PLAY:3,”“PLAYBAR,” “CONNECT:AMP,” “CONNECT,” and “SUB.” Any other past, present,and/or future zone players can additionally or alternatively be used toimplement the zone players of example embodiments disclosed herein.Additionally, it is understood that a zone player is not limited to theparticular examples illustrated in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C or to the SONOSproduct offerings. For example, a zone player may include a wired orwireless headphone. In yet another example, a zone player might includea sound bar for television. In yet another example, a zone player mayinclude or interact with a docking station for an Apple iPod™ or similardevice.

b. Example Controllers

FIG. 3 illustrates an example wireless controller 300 in docking station302. By way of illustration, controller 300 may correspond tocontrolling device 130 of FIG. 1. Docking station 302, if provided orused, may provide power to the controller 300 and additionally maycharge a battery of controller 300. In some embodiments, controller 300may be provided with a touch screen 304 that allows a user to interactthrough touch with the controller 300, for example, to retrieve andnavigate a playlist of audio items, modify and/or clear the playbackqueue of one or more zone players, control other operations of one ormore zone players, and provide overall control of the systemconfiguration 100. In other embodiments, other input mechanisms such asvoice control may be used to interact with the controller 300. Incertain embodiments, any number of controllers can be used to controlthe system configuration 100. In some embodiments, there may be a limitset on the number of controllers that can control the systemconfiguration 100. The controllers might be wireless like wirelesscontroller 300 or wired to data network 128.

In some embodiments, if more than one controller is used in system 100of FIG. 1, each controller may be coordinated to display common content,and may all be dynamically updated to indicate changes made to thesystem 100 from a single controller. Coordination can occur, forinstance, by a controller periodically requesting a state variabledirectly or indirectly from one or more of the zone players; the statevariable may provide information about system 100, such as current zonegroup configuration, what is playing in one or more zones, volumelevels, and other items of interest. The state variable may be passedaround on data network 128 between zone players (and controllers, if sodesired) as needed or as often as programmed.

In addition, an application running on any network-enabled portabledevice, such as an iPhone™, iPad™, Android™ powered phone or tablet, orany other smart phone or network-enabled device can be used ascontroller 130. An application running on a laptop or desktop personalcomputer (PC) or Mac™ can also be used as controller 130. Suchcontrollers may connect to system 100 through an interface with datanetwork 128, a zone player, a wireless router, or using some otherconfigured connection path. Example controllers offered by Sonos, Inc.of Santa Barbara, Calif. include a “Controller 200,” “SONOS® CONTROL,”“SONOS® Controller for iPhone™,” “SONOS® Controller for iPad™,” “SONOS®Controller for Android™,” “SONOS® Controller for Mac™ or PC.”

c. Example Data Connection

Zone players 102-124 of FIG. 1 are coupled directly or indirectly to adata network, such as data network 128. Controller 130 may also becoupled directly or indirectly to data network 128 or individual zoneplayers. Data network 128 is represented by an octagon in the figure tostand out from other representative components. While data network 128is shown in a single location, it is understood that such a network isdistributed in and around system 100. Particularly, data network 128 canbe a wired network, a wireless network, or a combination of both wiredand wireless networks. In some embodiments, one or more of the zoneplayers 102-124 are wirelessly coupled to data network 128 based on aproprietary mesh network. In some embodiments, one or more of the zoneplayers are coupled to data network 128 using a centralized access pointsuch as a wired or wireless router. In some embodiments, one or more ofthe zone players 102-124 are coupled via a wire to data network 128using Ethernet or similar technology. In addition to the one or morezone players 102-124 connecting to data network 128, data network 128can further allow access to a wide area network, such as the Internet.

In some embodiments, connecting any of the zone players 102-124, or someother connecting device, to a broadband router, can create data network128. Other zone players 102-124 can then be added wired or wirelessly tothe data network 128. For example, a zone player (e.g., any of zoneplayers 102-124) can be added to the system configuration 100 by simplypressing a button on the zone player itself (or perform some otheraction), which enables a connection to be made to data network 128. Thebroadband router can be connected to an Internet Service Provider (ISP),for example. The broadband router can be used to form another datanetwork within the system configuration 100, which can be used in otherapplications (e.g., web surfing). Data network 128 can also be used inother applications, if so programmed. An example, second network mayimplement SONOSNET™ protocol, developed by SONOS, Inc. of Santa Barbara.SONOSNET™ represents a secure, AES-encrypted, peer-to-peer wireless meshnetwork. Alternatively, in certain embodiments, the data network 128 isthe same network, such as a traditional wired or wireless network, usedfor other applications in the household.

d. Example Zone Configurations

A particular zone can contain one or more zone players. For example, thefamily room of FIG. 1 contains two zone players 106 and 108, while thekitchen is shown with one zone player 102. In another example, the hometheater room contains additional zone players to play audio from a 5.1channel or greater audio source (e.g., a movie encoded with 5.1 orgreater audio channels). In some embodiments, one can position a zoneplayer in a room or space and assign the zone player to a new orexisting zone via controller 130. As such, zones may be created,combined with another zone, removed, and given a specific name (e.g.,“Kitchen”), if so desired and programmed to do so with controller 130.Moreover, in some embodiments, zone configurations may be dynamicallychanged even after being configured using controller 130 or some othermechanism.

In some embodiments, a “bonded zone” is a zone that contains two or morezone players, such as the two zone players 106 and 108 in the familyroom whereby the two zone players 106 and 108 can be configured to playthe same audio source in synchrony. In one example, the two zone players106 and 108 can be paired to play two separate sounds in left and rightchannels, for example. In other words, the stereo effects of a sound canbe reproduced or enhanced through the two zone players 106 and 108, onefor the left sound and the other for the right sound. In another exampletwo or more zone players can be sonically consolidated to form a single,consolidated zone player. A consolidated zone player (though made up ofmultiple, separate devices) can be configured to process and reproducesound differently than an unconsolidated zone player or zone playersthat are paired, because a consolidated zone player has additionalspeaker drivers from which sound can be passed. The consolidated zoneplayer can further be paired with a single zone player or yet anotherconsolidated zone player. Each playback device of a consolidatedplayback device can be set in a consolidated mode, for example.

In certain embodiments, paired or consolidated zone players (alsoreferred to as “bonded zone players”) can play audio in synchrony withother zone players in the same or different zones.

According to some embodiments, one can continue to do any of: group,consolidate, and pair zone players, for example, until a desiredconfiguration is complete. The actions of grouping, consolidation, andpairing are preferably performed through a control interface, such asusing controller 130, and not by physically connecting and re-connectingspeaker wire, for example, to individual, discrete speakers to createdifferent configurations. As such, certain embodiments described hereinprovide a more flexible and dynamic platform through which soundreproduction can be offered to the end-user.

e. Example Audio Sources

In some embodiments, each zone can play from the same audio source asanother zone or each zone can play from a different audio source. Forexample, someone can be grilling on the patio and listening to jazzmusic via zone player 124, while someone is preparing food in thekitchen and listening to classical music via zone player 102. Further,someone can be in the office listening to the same jazz music via zoneplayer 110 that is playing on the patio via zone player 124. In someembodiments, the jazz music played via zone players 110 and 124 isplayed in synchrony. Synchronizing playback amongst zones allows for anindividual to pass through zones while seamlessly (or substantiallyseamlessly) listening to the audio. Further, zones can be put into a“party mode” such that all associated zones will play audio insynchrony.

Sources of audio content to be played by zone players 102-124 arenumerous. In some embodiments, audio on a zone player itself may beaccessed and played. In some embodiments, audio on a controller may beaccessed via the data network 128 and played. In some embodiments, musicfrom a personal library stored on a computer or networked-attachedstorage (NAS) may be accessed via the data network 128 and played. Insome embodiments, Internet radio stations, shows, and podcasts may beaccessed via the data network 128 and played. Music or cloud servicesthat let a user stream and/or download music and audio content may beaccessed via the data network 128 and played. Further, music may beobtained from traditional sources, such as a turntable or CD player, viaa line-in connection to a zone player, for example. Audio content mayalso be accessed using a different protocol, such as Airplay™, which isa wireless technology by Apple, Inc., for example. Audio contentreceived from one or more sources can be shared amongst the zone players102 to 124 via data network 128 and/or controller 130. Theabove-disclosed sources of audio content are referred to herein asnetwork-based audio information sources. However, network-based audioinformation sources are not limited thereto.

In some embodiments, the example home theater zone players 116, 118, 120are coupled to an audio information source such as a television 132. Insome examples, the television 132 is used as a source of audio for thehome theater zone players 116, 118, 120, while in other examples audioinformation from the television 132 may be shared with any of the zoneplayers 102-124 in the audio system 100.

III. Example Zone Players

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown an example block diagram of azone player 400 in accordance with an embodiment. Zone player 400includes a network interface 402, a processor 408, a memory 410, anaudio processing component 412, one or more modules 414, an audioamplifier 416, and a speaker unit 418 coupled to the audio amplifier416. FIG. 2A shows an example illustration of such a zone player. Othertypes of zone players may not include the speaker unit 418 (e.g., suchas shown in FIG. 2B) or the audio amplifier 416 (e.g., such as shown inFIG. 2C). Further, it is contemplated that the zone player 400 can beintegrated into another component. For example, the zone player 400could be constructed as part of a television, lighting, or some otherdevice for indoor or outdoor use.

In some embodiments, network interface 402 facilitates a data flowbetween zone player 400 and other devices on a data network 128. In someembodiments, in addition to getting audio from another zone player ordevice on data network 128, zone player 400 may access audio directlyfrom the audio source, such as over a wide area network or on the localnetwork. In some embodiments, the network interface 402 can furtherhandle the address part of each packet so that it gets to the rightdestination or intercepts packets destined for the zone player 400.Accordingly, in certain embodiments, each of the packets includes anInternet Protocol (IP)-based source address as well as an IP-baseddestination address.

In some embodiments, network interface 402 can include one or both of awireless interface 404 and a wired interface 406. The wireless interface404, also referred to as a radio frequency (RF) interface, providesnetwork interface functions for the zone player 400 to wirelesslycommunicate with other devices (e.g., other zone player(s), speaker(s),receiver(s), component(s) associated with the data network 128, and soon) in accordance with a communication protocol (e.g., any wirelessstandard including IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac,802.15, 4G mobile communication standard, and so on). Wireless interface404 may include one or more radios. To receive wireless signals and toprovide the wireless signals to the wireless interface 404 and totransmit wireless signals, the zone player 400 includes one or moreantennas 420. The wired interface 406 provides network interfacefunctions for the zone player 400 to communicate over a wire with otherdevices in accordance with a communication protocol (e.g., IEEE 802.3).In some embodiments, a zone player includes multiple wireless 404interfaces. In some embodiments, a zone player includes multiple wired406 interfaces. In some embodiments, a zone player includes both of theinterfaces 404 and 406. In some embodiments, a zone player 400 includesonly the wireless interface 404 or the wired interface 406.

In some embodiments, the processor 408 is a clock-driven electronicdevice that is configured to process input data according toinstructions stored in memory 410. The memory 410 is data storage thatcan be loaded with one or more software module(s) 414, which can beexecuted by the processor 408 to achieve certain tasks. In theillustrated embodiment, the memory 410 is a tangible machine-readablemedium storing instructions that can be executed by the processor 408.In some embodiments, a task might be for the zone player 400 to retrieveaudio data from another zone player or a device on a network (e.g.,using a uniform resource locator (URL) or some other identifier). Insome embodiments, a task may be for the zone player 400 to send audiodata to another zone player or device on a network. In some embodiments,a task may be for the zone player 400 to synchronize playback of audiowith one or more additional zone players. In some embodiments, a taskmay be to pair the zone player 400 with one or more zone players tocreate a multi-channel audio environment. Additional or alternativetasks can be achieved via the one or more software module(s) 414 and theprocessor 408.

The audio processing component 412 can include one or moredigital-to-analog converters (DAC), an audio preprocessing component, anaudio enhancement component or a digital signal processor, and so on. Insome embodiments, the audio processing component 412 may be part ofprocessor 408. In some embodiments, the audio that is retrieved via thenetwork interface 402 is processed and/or intentionally altered by theaudio processing component 412. Further, the audio processing component412 can produce analog audio signals. The processed analog audio signalsare then provided to the audio amplifier 416 for playback throughspeakers 418. In addition, the audio processing component 412 caninclude circuitry to process analog or digital signals as inputs to playfrom zone player 400, send to another zone player on a network, or bothplay and send to another zone player on the network. An example inputincludes a line-in connection (e.g., an auto-detecting 3.5 mm audioline-in connection).

The audio amplifier 416 is a device(s) that amplifies audio signals to alevel for driving one or more speakers 418. The one or more speakers 418can include an individual transducer (e.g., a “driver”) or a completespeaker system that includes an enclosure including one or more drivers.A particular driver can be a subwoofer (e.g., for low frequencies), amid-range driver (e.g., for middle frequencies), and a tweeter (e.g.,for high frequencies), for example. An enclosure can be sealed orported, for example. Each transducer may be driven by its own individualamplifier.

A commercial example, presently known as the PLAY:5™, is a zone playerwith a built-in amplifier and speakers that is capable of retrievingaudio directly from the source, such as on the Internet or on the localnetwork, for example. In particular, the PLAY:5™ is a five-amp,five-driver speaker system that includes two tweeters, two mid-rangedrivers, and one woofer. When playing audio content via the PLAY:5, theleft audio data of a track is sent out of the left tweeter and leftmid-range driver, the right audio data of a track is sent out of theright tweeter and the right mid-range driver, and mono bass is sent outof the subwoofer. Further, both mid-range drivers and both tweeters havethe same equalization (or substantially the same equalization). That is,they are both sent the same frequencies but from different channels ofaudio. Audio from Internet radio stations, online music and videoservices, downloaded music, analog audio inputs, television, DVD, and soon, can be played from the PLAY:5™.

IV. Example Controller

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown an example block diagram forcontroller 500, which can correspond to the controlling device 130 inFIG. 1. Controller 500 can be used to facilitate the control ofmulti-media applications, automation and others in a system. Inparticular, the controller 500 may be configured to facilitate aselection of a plurality of audio sources available on the network andenable control of one or more zone players (e.g., the zone players102-124 in FIG. 1) through a wireless or wired network interface 508.According to one embodiment, the wireless communications is based on anindustry standard (e.g., infrared, radio, wireless standards includingIEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.15, 4G mobilecommunication standard, and so on). Further, when a particular audio isbeing accessed via the controller 500 or being played via a zone player,a picture (e.g., album art) or any other data, associated with the audioand/or audio source can be transmitted from a zone player or otherelectronic device to controller 500 for display.

Controller 500 is provided with a screen 502 and an input interface 514that allows a user to interact with the controller 500, for example, tonavigate a playlist of many multimedia items and to control operationsof one or more zone players. The screen 502 on the controller 500 can bean LCD screen, for example. The screen 500 communicates with and iscommanded by a screen driver 504 that is controlled by a microcontroller(e.g., a processor) 506. The memory 510 can be loaded with one or moreapplication modules 512 that can be executed by the microcontroller 506with or without a user input via the user interface 514 to achievecertain tasks. In some embodiments, an application module 512 isconfigured to facilitate grouping a number of selected zone players intoa zone group to facilitate synchronized playback amongst the zoneplayers in the zone group. In some embodiments, an application module512 is configured to control the audio sounds (e.g., volume) of the zoneplayers in a zone group. In operation, when the microcontroller 506executes one or more of the application modules 512, the screen driver504 generates control signals to drive the screen 502 to display anapplication specific user interface accordingly.

The controller 500 includes a network interface 508 that facilitateswired or wireless communication with a zone player. In some embodiments,the commands such as volume control and audio playback synchronizationare sent via the network interface 508. In some embodiments, a savedzone group configuration is transmitted between a zone player and acontroller via the network interface 508. The controller 500 can controlone or more zone players, such as 102-124 of FIG. 1. There can be morethan one controller for a particular system, and each controller mayshare common information with another controller, or retrieve the commoninformation from a zone player, if such a zone player storesconfiguration data (e.g., such as a state variable). Further, acontroller can be integrated into a zone player.

It should be noted that other network-enabled devices such as aniPhone™, iPad™ or any other smart phone or network-enabled device (e.g.,a networked computer such as a PC or Mac™) can also be used as acontroller to interact or control zone players in a particularenvironment. In some embodiments, a software application or upgrade canbe downloaded onto a network-enabled device to perform the functionsdescribed herein.

In certain embodiments, a user can create a zone group (also referred toas a bonded zone) including at least two zone players from thecontroller 500. The zone players in the zone group can play audio in asynchronized fashion, such that all of the zone players in the zonegroup playback an identical audio source or a list of identical audiosources in a synchronized manner such that no (or substantially no)audible delays or hiccups are to be heard. Similarly, in someembodiments, when a user increases the audio volume of the group fromthe controller 500, the signals or data of increasing the audio volumefor the group are sent to one of the zone players and causes other zoneplayers in the group to be increased together in volume.

A user via the controller 500 can group zone players into a zone groupby activating a “Link Zones” or “Add Zone” soft button, or de-grouping azone group by activating an “Unlink Zones” or “Drop Zone” button. Forexample, one mechanism for ‘joining’ zone players together for audioplayback is to link a number of zone players together to form a group.To link a number of zone players together, a user can manually link eachzone player or room one after the other. For example, assume that thereis a multi-zone system that includes the following zones: Bathroom,Bedroom, Den, Dining Room, Family Room, and Foyer. In certainembodiments, a user can link any number of the six zone players, forexample, by starting with a single zone and then manually linking eachzone to that zone.

In certain embodiments, a set of zones can be dynamically linkedtogether using a command to create a zone scene or theme (subsequent tofirst creating the zone scene). For instance, a “Morning” zone scenecommand can link the Bedroom, Office, and Kitchen zones together in oneaction. Without this single command, the user would manually andindividually link each zone. The single command may include a mouseclick, a double mouse click, a button press, a gesture, or some otherprogrammed or learned action. Other kinds of zone scenes can beprogrammed or learned by the system over time.

In certain embodiments, a zone scene can be triggered based on time(e.g., an alarm clock function). For instance, a zone scene can be setto apply at 8:00 am. The system can link appropriate zonesautomatically, set specific music to play, and then stop the music aftera defined duration and revert the zones to their prior configuration.Although any particular zone can be triggered to an “On” or “Off” statebased on time, for example, a zone scene enables any zone(s) linked tothe scene to play a predefined audio (e.g., a favorable song, apredefined playlist) at a specific time and/or for a specific duration.If, for any reason, the scheduled music failed to be played (e.g., anempty playlist, no connection to a share, failed Universal Plug and Play(UPnP), no Internet connection for an Internet Radio station, and soon), a backup buzzer can be programmed to sound. The buzzer can includea sound file that is stored in a zone player, for example.

V. Playback Queue

As discussed above, in some embodiments, a zone player may be assignedto a playback queue identifying zero or more media items for playback bythe zone player. The media items identified in a playback queue may berepresented to the user via an interface on a controller. For instance,the representation may show the user (or users if more than onecontroller is connected to the system) how the zone player is traversingthe playback queue, such as by highlighting the “now playing” item,graying out the previously played item(s), highlighting the to-be-playeditem(s), and so on.

In some embodiments, a single zone player is assigned to a playbackqueue. For example, zone player 114 in the bathroom of FIG. 1 may belinked or assigned to a “Bathroom” playback queue. In an embodiment, the“Bathroom” playback queue might have been established by the system as aresult of the user naming the zone player 114 to the bathroom. As such,contents populated and identified in the “Bathroom” playback queue canbe played via the zone player 114 (the bathroom zone).

In some embodiments, a zone or zone group is assigned to a playbackqueue. For example, zone players 106 and 108 in the family room of FIG.1 may be linked or assigned to a “Family room” playback queue. Inanother example, if family room and dining room zones were grouped, thenthe new group would be linked or assigned to a family room+dining roomplayback queue. In some embodiments, the family room+dining roomplayback queue would be established based upon the creation of thegroup. In some embodiments, upon establishment of the new group, thefamily room+dining room playback queue can automatically include thecontents of one (or both) of the playback queues associated with eitherthe family room or dining room or both. In one instance, if the userstarted with the family room and added the dining room, then thecontents of the family room playback queue would become the contents ofthe family room+dining room playback queue. In another instance, if theuser started with the family room and added the dining room, then thefamily room playback queue would be renamed to the family room+diningroom playback queue. If the new group was “ungrouped,” then the familyroom+dining room playback queue may be removed from the system and/orrenamed to one of the zones (e.g., renamed to “family room” or “diningroom”). After ungrouping, each of the family room and the dining roomwill be assigned to a separate playback queue. One or more of the zoneplayers in the zone or zone group may store in memory the associatedplayback queue.

As such, when zones or zone groups are “grouped” or “ungrouped”dynamically by the user via a controller, the system will, in someembodiments, establish or remove/rename playback queues respectively, aseach zone or zone group is to be assigned to a playback queue. In otherwords, the playback queue operates as a container that can be populatedwith media items for playback by the assigned zone. In some embodiments,the media items identified in a playback queue can be manipulated (e.g.,re-arranged, added to, deleted from, and so on).

By way of illustration, FIG. 6 shows an example network 600 for mediacontent playback. As shown, the example network 600 includes examplezone players 612 and 614, example audio sources 662 and 664, and examplemedia items 620. The example media items 620 may include playlist 622,music track 624, favorite Internet radio station 626, playlists 628 and630, and album 632. In one embodiment, the zone players 612 and 614 maybe any of the zone players shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4. For instance,zone players 612 and 614 may be the zone players 106 and 108 in theFamily Room.

In one example, the example audio sources 662 and 664, and example mediaitems 620 may be partially stored on a cloud network, discussed morebelow in connection to FIG. 8. In some cases, the portions of the audiosources 662, 664, and example media items 620 may be stored locally onone or both of the zone players 612 and 614. In one embodiment, playlist622, favorite Internet radio station 626, and playlist 630 may be storedlocally, and music track 624, playlist 628, and album 632 may be storedon the cloud network.

Each of the example media items 620 may be a list of media itemsplayable by a zone player(s). In one embodiment, the example media itemsmay be a collection of links or pointers (i.e., URI) to the underlyingdata for media items that are stored elsewhere, such as the audiosources 662 and 664. In another embodiment, the media items may includepointers to media content stored on the local zone player, another zoneplayer over a local network, or a controller device connected to thelocal network.

As shown, the example network 600 may also include an example queue 602associated with the zone player 612, and an example queue 604 associatedwith the zone player 614. Queue 606 may be associated with a group, whenin existence, comprising zone players 612 and 614. Queue 606 mightcomprise a new queue or exist as a renamed version of queue 602 or 604.In some embodiments, in a group, the zone players 612 and 614 would beassigned to queue 606 and queue 602 and 604 would not be available atthat time. In some embodiments, when the group is no longer inexistence, queue 606 is no longer available. Each zone player and eachcombination of zone players in a network of zone players, such as thoseshown in FIG. 1 or that of example zone players 612, 614, and examplecombination 616, may be uniquely assigned to a corresponding playbackqueue.

A playback queue, such as playback queues 602-606, may includeidentification of media content to be played by the corresponding zoneplayer or combination of zone players. As such, media items added to theplayback queue are to be played by the corresponding zone player orcombination of zone players. The zone player may be configured to playitems in the queue according to a specific order (such as an order inwhich the items were added), in a random order, or in some other order.

The playback queue may include a combination of playlists and othermedia items added to the queue. In one embodiment, the items in playbackqueue 602 to be played by the zone player 612 may include items from theaudio sources 662, 664, or any of the media items 622-632. The playbackqueue 602 may also include items stored locally on the zone player 612,or items accessible from the zone player 614. For instance, the playbackqueue 602 may include Internet radio 626 and album 632 items from audiosource 662, and items stored on the zone player 612.

When a media item is added to the queue via an interface of acontroller, a link to the item may be added to the queue. In a case ofadding a playlist to the queue, links to the media items in the playlistmay be provided to the queue. For example, the playback queue 602 mayinclude pointers from the Internet radio 626 and album 632, pointers toitems on the audio source 662, and pointers to items on the zone player612. In another case, a link to the playlist, for example, rather than alink to the media items in the playlist may be provided to the queue,and the zone player or combination of zone players may play the mediaitems in the playlist by accessing the media items via the playlist. Forexample, the album 632 may include pointers to items stored on audiosource 662. Rather than adding links to the items on audio source 662, alink to the album 632 may be added to the playback queue 602, such thatthe zone player 612 may play the items on the audio source 662 byaccessing the items via pointers in the album 632.

In some cases, contents as they exist at a point in time within aplayback queue may be stored as a playlist, and subsequently added tothe same queue later or added to another queue. For example, contents ofthe playback queue 602, at a particular point in time, may be saved as aplaylist, stored locally on the zone player 612 and/or on the cloudnetwork. The saved playlist may then be added to playback queue 604 tobe played by zone player 614.

VI. Example Ad-Hoc Network

Particular examples are now provided in connection with FIG. 7 todescribe, for purposes of illustration, certain embodiments to provideand facilitate connection to a playback network. FIG. 7 shows that thereare three zone players 702, 704 and 706 and a controller 708 that form anetwork branch that is also referred to as an Ad-Hoc network 710. Thenetwork 710 may be wireless, wired, or a combination of wired andwireless technologies. In general, an Ad-Hoc (or “spontaneous”) networkis a local area network or other small network in which there isgenerally no one access point for all traffic. With an establishedAd-Hoc network 710, the devices 702, 704, 706 and 708 can allcommunicate with each other in a “peer-to-peer” style of communication,for example. Furthermore, devices may join and/or leave from the network710, and the network 710 will automatically reconfigure itself withoutneeding the user to reconfigure the network 710. While an Ad-Hoc networkis referenced in FIG. 7, it is understood that a playback network may bebased on a type of network that is completely or partially differentfrom an Ad-Hoc network.

Using the Ad-Hoc network 710, the devices 702, 704, 706, and 708 canshare or exchange one or more audio sources and be dynamically grouped(or ungrouped) to play the same or different audio sources. For example,the devices 702 and 704 are grouped to playback one piece of music, andat the same time, the device 706 plays back another piece of music. Inother words, the devices 702, 704, 706 and 708, as shown in FIG. 7, forma HOUSEHOLD that distributes audio and/or reproduces sound. As usedherein, the term HOUSEHOLD (provided in uppercase letters todisambiguate from the user's domicile) is used to represent a collectionof networked devices that are cooperating to provide an application orservice. An instance of a HOUSEHOLD is identified with a household 710(or household identifier), though a HOUSEHOLD may be identified with adifferent area or place.

In certain embodiments, a household identifier (HHID) is a short stringor an identifier that is computer-generated to help ensure that it isunique. Accordingly, the network 710 can be characterized by a uniqueHHID and a unique set of configuration variables or parameters, such aschannels (e.g., respective frequency bands), service set identifier(SSID) (a sequence of alphanumeric characters as a name of a wirelessnetwork), and WEP keys (wired equivalent privacy) or other securitykeys. In certain embodiments, SSID is set to be the same as HHID.

In certain embodiments, each HOUSEHOLD includes two types of networknodes: a control point (CP) and a zone player (ZP). The control pointcontrols an overall network setup process and sequencing, including anautomatic generation of required network parameters (e.g., securitykeys). In an embodiment, the CP also provides the user with a HOUSEHOLDconfiguration user interface. The CP function can be provided by acomputer running a CP application module, or by a handheld controller(e.g., the controller 308) also running a CP application module, forexample. The zone player is any other device on the network that isplaced to participate in the automatic configuration process. The ZP, asa notation used herein, includes the controller 308 or a computingdevice, for example. In some embodiments, the functionality, or certainparts of the functionality, in both the CP and the ZP are combined at asingle node (e.g., a ZP contains a CP or vice-versa).

In certain embodiments, configuration of a HOUSEHOLD involves multipleCPs and ZPs that rendezvous and establish a known configuration suchthat they can use a standard networking protocol (e.g., IP over Wired orWireless Ethernet) for communication. In an embodiment, two types ofnetworks/protocols are employed: Ethernet 802.3 and Wireless 802.11g.Interconnections between a CP and a ZP can use either of thenetworks/protocols. A device in the system as a member of a HOUSEHOLDcan connect to both networks simultaneously.

In an environment that has both networks in use, it is assumed that atleast one device in a system is connected to both as a bridging device,thus providing bridging services between wired/wireless networks forothers. The zone player 706 in FIG. 7 is shown to be connected to bothnetworks, for example. The connectivity to the network 712 is based onEthernet and/or Wireless, while the connectivity to other devices 702,704 and 708 is based on Wireless and Ethernet if so desired.

It is understood, however, that in some embodiments each zone player706, 704, 702 may access the Internet when retrieving media from thecloud (e.g., the Internet) via the bridging device. For example, zoneplayer 702 may contain a uniform resource locator (URL) that specifiesan address to a particular audio track in the cloud. Using the URL, thezone player 702 may retrieve the audio track from the cloud, andultimately play the audio out of one or more zone players.

VII. Another Example System Configuration

FIG. 8 shows a system 800 including a plurality of interconnectednetworks including a cloud-based network and at least one local playbacknetwork. A local playback network includes a plurality of playbackdevices or players, though it is understood that the playback networkmay contain only one playback device. In certain embodiments, eachplayer has an ability to retrieve its content for playback. Control andcontent retrieval can be distributed or centralized, for example. Inputcan include streaming content provider input, third party applicationinput, mobile device input, user input, and/or other playback networkinput into the cloud for local distribution and playback.

As illustrated by the example system 800 of FIG. 8, a plurality ofcontent providers 820-850 can be connected to one or more local playbacknetworks 860-870 via a cloud and/or other network 810. Using the cloud810, a multimedia audio system server 820 (e.g., Sonos™), a mobiledevice 830, a third party application 840, a content provider 850 and soon can provide multimedia content (requested or otherwise) to localplayback networks 860, 870. Within each local playback network 860, 870,a controller 862, 872 and a playback device 864, 874 can be used toplayback audio content.

VIII. Example Proximity Sensing Configuration

As discussed above, embodiments described herein involve intelligentlyrevealing selectable icons on a control panel of a playback device basedon proximity detection. As indicated previously, a proximity sensormodule may be configured to detect physical movement within a proximalrange of the playback device, and based on the detected physicalmovement cause the selectable icons on the control panel to beilluminated and revealed. In some embodiments, the detection of physicalmovement within the proximal range of the playback device may indicate auser approaching the playback device, and accordingly, the selectableicons may be revealed for the user to view and potentially select.

FIG. 9 shows an example flow diagram for configuring a proximity sensormodule on a playback device, in accordance with at least someembodiments described herein. Method 900 shown in FIG. 9 presents anembodiment of a method that could be used in the environments 100, 600,700, and 800 with the systems 200, 202, 204, 300, 400, and 500 forexample, in communication with one or more devices, such as thoseillustrated in FIGS. 2-5. Method 900 may include one or more operations,functions, or actions as illustrated by one or more of blocks 902-910.Although the blocks are illustrated in sequential order, these blocksmay also be performed in parallel, and/or in a different order thanthose described herein. Also, the various blocks may be combined intofewer blocks, divided into additional blocks, and/or removed based uponthe desired implementation.

In addition, for the method 900 and other processes and methodsdisclosed herein, the flowchart shows functionality and operation of onepossible implementation of present embodiments. In this regard, eachblock may represent a module, a segment, or a portion of program code,which includes one or more instructions executable by a processor forimplementing specific logical functions or steps in the process. Theprogram code may be stored on any type of computer readable medium, forexample, such as a storage device including a disk or hard drive. Thecomputer readable medium may include non-transitory computer readablemedium, for example, such as computer-readable media that stores datafor short periods of time like register memory, processor cache andRandom Access Memory (RAM). The computer readable medium may alsoinclude non-transitory media, such as secondary or persistent long termstorage, like read only memory (ROM), optical or magnetic disks,compact-disc read only memory (CD-ROM), for example. The computerreadable media may also be any other volatile or non-volatile storagesystems. The computer readable medium may be considered a computerreadable storage medium, for example, or a tangible storage device. Inaddition, for the method 900 and other processes and methods disclosedherein, each block in FIG. 9 may represent circuitry that is wired toperform the specific logical functions in the process.

At block 902, the method 900 may involve determining an ambient lightlevel based on a detection by a light sensor of ambient light of acontrol area for a playback device. The control area might allow, forexample, playback control for the playback device, such as “play,”“pause,” “volume up/down,” and so on. FIG. 10 shows an example playbackdevice 1000 that may be configured to intelligently reveal selectableicons on proximity detection. As shown, the playback device 1000 mayinclude a control area 1002 around where proximity detectingcapabilities may be implemented. The control area 1002 may include acontrol strip having selectable icons or buttons on a top portion 1004of the control area 1002. In one example, the selectable icons may becapacitive buttons presented as back-lit icons. In some cases, if thetop portion 1004 is a dark color, the icons may be effectively invisiblewhen the icons are not illuminated. Also as shown, the control area 1002further includes a front portion 1006 where a logo, such as a SONOS® maybe provided. Further as shown, the playback device 1000 may include aspeaker grille 1008.

In one example, a light sensor may be implemented on the playback device1000 and configured to detect an ambient light level around the playbackdevice 1000. More particularly, the light sensor may be configured todetect an ambient light level around the control area 1002 of theplayback device 1000. In one case, the light sensor may be positionedwithin or adjacent to the control area 1002. The determined ambientlight level, as will be further discussed below, may be based upon torefine the proximity detection capabilities of the playback device 1000for the purposes of intelligently revealing the selectable icons on thetop portion 1004 of the control area 1002.

FIG. 11 shows an example embodiment of the playback device 1000 withproximity sensing capabilities, including an IR sensor 1102 and acapacitive sensor 1104 implemented along the top portion 1004 of thecontrol area 1002. The capacitive sensor 1104, as shown may have acapacitive grounding plane 1106. In discussions herein, the capacitivegrounding plane 1106 may also be referred to as an electrode or metalelectrode of the capacitive sensor 1104. In one case, the capacitivegrounding plane 1106 may also be referred to as an antenna of thecapacitive sensor 1104.

Both the IR proximity sensor and the capacitive sensor may be configuredto detect physical movement, albeit via different mechanisms. Aspreviously discussed, the capacitive sensor 1104 may be configured todetect a change in capacitance within a range of the capacitivegrounding plane 1106, which in this case may be a range within aproximal vicinity above the control area 1002 of the playback device1000. The IR sensor 1102 on the other hand, may be configured to emitinfrared light pulses and detect reflected infrared light pulses todetermine physical movement. In some embodiments, the IR sensor 1102 mayfurther be configured as the light sensor for determining the ambientlight level, as discussed above in connection to block 902.

As indicated above, if the playback device 1000 is located near a plasmatelevision, the capacitive sensor 1104 may be falsely triggered whilethe plasma television is on, and a gain of the capacitive sensor 1104may be reduced in the presence of the plasma television to reduce falsetriggers. However, reduced capacitive sensor gain may result in signalsindicating the physical movement that are indistinguishable from abaseline noise signal for the capacitive sensor. Additional signalprocessing may be performed to better distinguish the signals, but mayresult in slower response times.

On the other hand, if the ambient light level of the playback device ishigh, the IR sensor may be flooded by the high ambient light level suchthat the IR sensor may not be able to reliably discern the reflectedlight pulses from the baseline ambient light. Accordingly, at block 904,the method 900 may involve adjusting, based on the ambient light level,a sensitivity of an infrared (IR) proximity sensor, and at block 906,the method 900 may involve adjusting, based on the ambient light level,a sensitivity of a capacitive proximity sensor.

In one example, adjusting the sensitivity of the capacitive proximitysensor may involve adjusting a gain level of the capacitive proximitysensor, and adjusting the sensitivity of the IR proximity sensor mayinvolve adjusting a pulse width of the IR proximity sensor. In oneinstance, if the ambient light level is high, a gain of the capacitivesensor may be increased, and if the ambient light level is low, the gainof the capacitive sensor may be reduced. For the IR proximity sensor ifthe ambient light level is high, a dynamic range of the IR sensor may bereduced, and a pulse width of infrared light pulses generated from theIR sensor may be lengthened. Analogously, if the ambient light level islow, the dynamic range of the IR sensor may be increased, and the pulsewidth of infrared light pulses may be shortened.

As one having ordinary skill in the art may appreciate, differentcombinations of IR sensor dynamic ranges and infrared light pulse widthsmay be configured for different levels of ambient light, and differentcapacitive sensor gain levels may be configured for different levels ofambient light. In combination, when the ambient light level is high, thecapacitive sensor may become more sensitive due to the increased gainlevel, while the IR sensor may become less sensitive due to the reduceddynamic range and increased infrared light pulse width. On the otherhand, when the ambient light level is low, the capacitive sensor maybecome less sensitive due to the decreased gain level, while the IRsensor may become more sensitive due to the increased dynamic range andshorted infrared light pulse widths. As indicated above, differentconfigurations of IR sensor and capacitive sensor sensitivities may beimplemented for different levels of ambient light.

In an illustrative example, six combinations of capacitive sensor and IRsensor sensitivities may be implemented and configured depending on thedetermined ambient light level. In this example, the capacitive sensor1104 may have three gain settings. The lowest gain settings, or “capgain 1” may be configured such that false triggers are unlikely as longas the capacitive sensor 1104 is at least six inches away from a plasmadisplay, as referred to above. In this setting, the capacitive sensor1104 may have a range of about two to three inches. The next gainsettings, or “cap gain 2” may be configured such that the capacitivesensor 1104 may have an additional inch or two of range. In this settinghowever, false triggers from the plasma display may occur if the plasmadisplay is within six to eight inches away. The third gain setting, or“cap gain 3” may be configured such that the capacitive sensor 1104 mayhave a range up to about four inches, but may result in yet highersusceptibility to false triggers from the plasma display.

Further in this example, the IR sensor 1102 may have six settings. Thefirst setting, or “IR setting 1,” may have a minimal IR pulse width andshort pulse integration time. In some cases, the IR sensor 1102 may havea high sensitivity mode and a low sensitivity mode, and at “IR setting1” the IR sensor 1102 may be in high sensitivity mode. This setting maybe suitable for a dark environment. Depending on the ambient lightconditions, IR setting 1 may provide a range of about seven inches. Asthe settings progress to “IR setting 2,” “IR setting 3,” “IR setting 4,”“IR setting 5,” and “IR setting 6,” the IR pulse width may increaseincrementally, and the pulse integration time may increase accordingly.In one example, the IR sensor 1102 may be configured to be in the highsensitivity mode up to “IR setting 3,” and at “IR setting 4,” the IRsensor 1102 may be configured to switch to the low sensitivity mode, toaccommodate the higher ambient light levels. As one having ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate, higher ambient light levels may alsoinclude higher infrared light levels that may swamp the IR sensor 1102.In one case, an additional IR sensor, or IR sensor component of the IRsensor 1102 having a smaller receiving component for further reducedsensitivity may be provided to accommodate high ambient light levels. Insuch a case, settings, such as “IR setting 6” or even “IR setting 5 ”may involve switching to the IR sensor having the smaller receivingcomponent. Other examples may also be possible.

In this illustrative example, “cap gain 1” may be paired with “IRsetting 1,” “IR setting 2,” “IR setting 3,” and “IR setting 4,” “capgain 2” may be paired with “IR setting 5,” and “cap gain 3” may bepaired with “IR setting 6.” In other words, as previously suggested, asthe capacitive sensor gain increases, the IR sensitivity decreases andthe IR pulse widths and integration times increase. In some embodiments,the pairing of “cap gain 2” and “IR setting 5 ,” and the paring of “capgain 3” and “IR setting 6” may be configured for when the playbackdevice 1000 is operating outdoors during the day. Other examples arealso possible.

Referring back to the method 900, block 908 may involve determining aphysical approach of an entity towards the playback device based on thedetection of the physical movement by at least one of the IR proximitysensor and the capacitive proximity sensor. In other words, if eitherthe IR sensor 1102 or capacitive sensor 1104 detects physical movementwith the proximal range of the playback device 1000, a determination maybe made that a user 1112 may be approaching the playback device and maywish to view the selectable icons before potentially selecting one ormore of the selectable icons. To implement block 908, outputs from theIR sensor 1102 and the capacitive sensor 1104 may be processed throughan “OR” function, and a physical approach of the entity towards theplayback device may be determined based on the output of the “OR”function. Other examples are also possible.

At block 910, the method 900 may involve responsively causing a controlarea of the playback device to be illuminated. As suggested above, theback-lit icons on the control area 1002 of the playback device 1000 maybe illuminated when either the IR sensor or the capacitive sensordetects the physical movement or presence of the user 1112 within theproximal range of the playback device. As such, responsive to thedetermination of the physical approach of the entity towards theplayback device 1000, the selectable icons on the control area 1002 maybe revealed.

In another embodiment, the selectable icons on the control area 1002 maybe revealed after a presence of the user 1112 has been present within adistance of the control area for a predetermined period of time. Forexample, the control area 1002 may be configured to reveal theselectable icons if the user 1112 or a hand or finger of the user 1112is within an inch or less from the control area for at least half asecond. In some cases, such an implementation may reduce false triggerswhen the user 1112, or a pet of the user 1112 simply moves by theplayback device 1000 within a proximal range from the control area 1002.

A similar approach may be implemented if any of the selectable icons onthe control area 1002 represent a subset of additional icons selectablefor the playback device to perform related functions. In such a case, ifthe user 1112 hovers over the selectable icon representative of thegroup of functions, the control area 1002 may, in response, reveal thesubset of additional icons within the group. Other examples are alsopossible.

While the discussions above are directed to proximity detection for thepurposes of revealing icons or buttons on the control panel of theplayback device, one having ordinary skill in the art will appreciatethat proximity detection may be utilized in other capacities as well.For instance, a playback device may pre-cache audio content inanticipation of a user providing input via the control panel to causethe playback device to playback audio content. In another instance, theplayback device may be in an in-active state such that an amplifier ofthe playback device may be turned off to reduce power consumption whilethe playback device is not playing audio content. In this instance, theamplifier of the playback device may be turned on in anticipation of auser providing input via the control panel to cause the playback deviceto playback audio content based on proximity detection. Other examplesare also possible.

As discussed above, embodiments described herein further involveconfigurations for improved off-axis or zero-degree approach detectionof physical movement by the capacitive sensor. In addition to offeringalternative proximity sensing capabilities in high ambient lightconditions, the capacitive sensor may also compliment the IR sensor byproviding additional off-axis detection. For instance, as shown in FIG.11, the IR sensor 1102 may be positioned along the top portion 1004 ofthe control area 1002 of the playback device 1000 and accordingly, mayhave a detection range 1108 in a first direction directed to a spaceabove the playback device 1000. In this case, an approach of the user1112 from the front side of the playback device 1000 may not be aseasily detected by the IR sensor. The capacitive sensor on the otherhand, depending on the configuration of the capacitive grounding plane1106, may be less directional and may have a detection range 1110directed to the space above the playback device 100, as well as, toperhaps a lesser extent, spaces around the playback device 1000, even ifthe capacitive sensor 1104 is positioned along the top side of theplayback device as well.

In some embodiments of the present application, the off-axis, orzero-degree approach detection by the capacitive sensor 1104 may furtherbe improved by coupling the capacitive grounding plane 1106, or anelectrode of the capacitive sensor 1104 to other components of theplayback device 1000. In one example, the playback device 1000 may beconfigured to communicate via wireless communication and may include anRF antenna component. FIG. 12A shows a first example configuration ofthe capacitive sensor 1104 implemented along the control panel 1002 of aplayback device 1000. As shown, the capacitive sensor 1104 may becoupled to an RF antenna 1202 that is oriented orthogonally to thecapacitive grounding plane 1106 of the capacitive sensor 1104. In oneexample, the RF antenna ground plane may be a copper pour in a printedcircuit board.

In effect, coupling the ground plane of the RF antenna 1202 to thecapacitive grounding plane 1106 of the capacitive sensor 1104 mayprovide an additional, second capacitive grounding plane for thecapacitive sensor 1104. As such, in addition to the detection range 1110as provided by the capacitive grounding plane 1106, the capacitivesensor 1104 may also have a detection range 1204. In this case, becausethe RF antenna 1202 may be oriented orthogonally to the capacitivegrounding plane 1106, the detection range 1204 may be in a directionorthogonal, or 90 degrees to the direction of the detection range 1110.As shown, the detection range 1204 may be towards the front side of theplayback device 1000. In other words, coupling the capacitive groundingplane 1106, or an electrode of the capacitive sensor 1104 to the groundplane of the RF antenna 1202 as described may improve the detection ofphysical movement in front of the playback device 1000 by the capacitivesensor 1104. Further in this case, the capacitive grounding plane 1106may be capacitively coupled to the ground plane of the RF antenna 1202,such that performance of the RF antenna 1202 may be enhanced because thecapacitive grounding plane 1106 may act as an RF ground for additionalnoise isolation for the RF antenna 1202.

In other embodiments, the RF antenna 1202 may be oriented at anyrelative angle to the capacitive grounding plane 1106. In such cases,the detection of physical movement by the capacitive sensor 1104 may beimproved in a direction at the relative angle to the detection directionof the capacitive grounding plane 1106. Other examples are alsopossible.

In addition to the RF antenna 1202, the off-axis, or zero-degreeapproach detection by the capacitive sensor 1104 may further be improvedby coupling the capacitive grounding plane 1106, or an electrode of thecapacitive sensor 1104 to the speaker grille 1008 of the playback device1000. FIG. 12B shows a second example configuration of the capacitivesensor 1104 implemented along the control panel 1002 of the playbackdevice 1000, and coupled to the speaker grille 1008. In one example, thespeaker grille 1008 may be a metal speaker grille. Similar to the casedescribed above in connection to the RF antenna 1202, the speaker grille1008 may provide the capacitive sensor 1104 a second capacitivegrounding plane, which in this case, may also be substantiallyorthogonal to the capacitive grounding plane 1106, on the front side ofthe playback device 1000. In this case, the second capacitive groundingplane may provide the capacitive sensor 1104 with a detection range1206, substantially orthogonal to the detection range 1110. Accordingly,coupling the capacitive grounding plane 1106, or an electrode of thecapacitive sensor 1104 to the speaker grille may also improve thedetection of physical movement in front of the playback device 1000 bythe capacitive sensor 1104.

In such a configuration, however, playback of audio by the playbackdevice 1000 may generate sufficient change in capacitance detectable bythe speaker grille and cause false triggers in the capacitive sensor1104. This may occur, for example, if the diaphragm of the speaker ismetal. As such, in one embodiment, the speaker grille and the capacitivegrounding plane 1106 may be coupled when the playback device is notplaying audio content, and decoupled when the playback device is playingaudio content.

In implementation, the playback device 1000 may be configured todetermine that the playback device is not rendering audio content, andresponsively cause the capacitive grounding plane 1106 of the capacitivesensor 1104 to be coupled to the speaker grille 1008 of the playbackdevice 1000. On the other hand, the playback device 1000 may beconfigured to determine that the playback device 1000 is or will berendering audio content, and responsively, cause the capacitivegrounding plane 1106 of the capacitive sensor 1104 to be decoupled fromthe speaker grille 1008 of the playback device 1000, if the capacitivegrounding plane 1106 and the speaker grille 1008 was previously coupled.

In some embodiments, the capacitive grounding plane 1106 may be coupledto both the RF antenna 1202 and the speaker grille 1008 such that thecapacitive sensor 1104 has three capacitive grounding planes. In onecase, the capacitive grounding plane 1106 may be coupled to the RFantenna 1202 and not to the speaker grille 1008 when audio content isbeing played by the playback device 1000, while the capacitive groundingplane 1106 may be coupled to both the RF antenna 1202 and the speakergrille 1008 when audio content is not being played by the playbackdevice 1000. Other examples and configurations may also be possible.

As discussed previously, proximity detection may be utilized in othercapacities as well, in addition to the intelligent revealing ofselectable icons. Depending on the application of proximity detection,various combinations of coupling or decoupling between the capacitivegrounding plane 1106 and the RF antenna 1202 and speaker grille 1008 maybe implemented as applicable.

IX. Conclusion

The descriptions above disclose various example systems, methods,apparatus, and articles of manufacture including, among othercomponents, firmware and/or software executed on hardware. However, suchexamples are merely illustrative and should not be considered aslimiting. For example, it is contemplated that any or all of thesefirmware, hardware, and/or software components can be embodiedexclusively in hardware, exclusively in software, exclusively infirmware, or in any combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware.Accordingly, while the following describes example systems, methods,apparatus, and/or articles of manufacture, the examples provided are notthe only way(s) to implement such systems, methods, apparatus, and/orarticles of manufacture.

As indicated above, the present application involves a capacitive sensorconfiguration for proximity detection by a playback device. In oneaspect, a playback device is provided. The playback device includes acapacitive proximity sensor configured to detect physical movement in afirst direction. The capacitive proximity sensor includes a first metalelectrode. The playback device further includes a radio frequency (RF)antenna ground plane oriented at a relative angle to the capacitiveproximity sensor. The RF antenna ground plane is coupled to the firstmetal electrode of the capacitive proximity sensor such that thecapacitive proximity sensor is further configured to detect physicalmovement in a second direction. The second direction is substantially atthe relative angle from the first direction. The playback device furtherincludes a processor, and memory having stored thereon instructionsexecutable by the processor to cause the playback device to performfunctions. The functions includes determining based on a detection ofphysical movement by the capacitive proximity sensor, a physicalapproach of an entity towards the playback device from one or more ofthe first direction and the second direction.

In another aspect, a method is provided. The method involves determiningan ambient light level based on a detection by a light sensor of ambientlight of a control area for a playback device, and adjusting, based onthe ambient light level, a sensitivity of a capacitive proximity sensor.The capacitive proximity sensor is configured to detect a physicalmovement in a first direction, and the capacitive proximity sensor iscoupled to a radio frequency (RF) antenna ground plane oriented at arelative angle to the capacitive proximity sensor. The RF antenna groundplane is coupled to the first metal electrode of the capacitiveproximity sensor such that the capacitive proximity sensor is furtherconfigured to detect physical movement in a second direction. The seconddirection is at substantially the relative angle to the first direction.The method also involves determining, based on a detection of physicalmovement by the capacitive proximity sensor, a physical approach of anentity towards the playback device from one or more of the firstdirection and the second direction, and responsively causing a controlarea of the playback device to be illuminated.

In yet another aspect, a non-transitory computer readable memory isprovided. The non-transitory computer readable memory has stored thereoninstructions executable by a computing device to cause the computingdevice to perform functions. The function include determining an ambientlight level based on a detection by a light sensor of ambient light of acontrol area for a playback device, and adjusting, based on the ambientlight level, a sensitivity of a capacitive proximity sensor, wherein thecapacitive proximity sensor is configured to detect a physical movementin a first direction. The capacitive proximity sensor is coupled to aradio frequency (RF) antenna ground plane oriented at a relative angleto the capacitive proximity sensor. The RF antenna ground plane iscoupled to the first metal electrode of the capacitive proximity sensorsuch that the capacitive proximity sensor is further configured todetect physical movement in a second direction. The second direction isat substantially the relative angle to the first direction. Thefunctions further include determining, based on a detection of physicalmovement by the capacitive proximity sensor, a physical approach of anentity towards the playback device from one or more of the firstdirection and the second direction, and responsively causing a controlarea of the playback device to be illuminated.

Additionally, references herein to “embodiment” means that a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with theembodiment can be included in at least one example embodiment of theinvention. The appearances of this phrase in various places in thespecification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment,nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of otherembodiments. As such, the embodiments described herein, explicitly andimplicitly understood by one skilled in the art, can be combined withother embodiments.

The specification is presented largely in terms of illustrativeenvironments, systems, procedures, steps, logic blocks, processing, andother symbolic representations that directly or indirectly resemble theoperations of data processing devices coupled to networks. These processdescriptions and representations are typically used by those skilled inthe art to most effectively convey the substance of their work to othersskilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth to provide athorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it isunderstood to those skilled in the art that certain embodiments of thepresent disclosure can be practiced without certain, specific details.In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components, andcircuitry have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarilyobscuring aspects of the embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of thepresent disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than theforgoing description of embodiments.

When any of the appended claims are read to cover a purely softwareand/or firmware implementation, at least one of the elements in at leastone example is hereby expressly defined to include a tangible mediumsuch as a memory, DVD, CD, Blu-ray, and so on, storing the softwareand/or firmware.

We claim:
 1. A playback device comprising: a transport control interfacecomprising one or more illuminable buttons; one or more speakers; anaudio stage comprising one or more amplifiers configured to drive theone or more speakers; a capacitive proximity sensor configured to detectphysical movement in the horizontal plane via an electrode, theelectrode comprising a radio frequency (RF) antenna; a network interfacecoupled to the RF antenna; one or more processors; a housing carryingthe one or more speakers, the audio stage, the capacitive proximitysensor, and the network interface, wherein the transport controlinterface is arranged on an exterior surface of the housing; datastorage having stored therein instructions executable by the one or moreprocessors to cause the playback device to perform functions comprising:detecting, via the capacitive proximity sensor, a physical movement; inresponse to detecting the physical movement, illuminating the one ormore illuminable buttons of the transport control interface; detecting,via the transport control interface, an input indicating a command toplay back audio content; and in response to the input indicating thecommand to play back audio content, playing back the audio content viathe one or more speakers.
 2. The playback device of claim 1, wherein thefunctions further comprises: in response to detecting the physicalmovement and before receiving the input indicating the command to playback the audio content, enabling the one or more amplifiers of the audiostage.
 3. The playback device of claim 1, wherein the functions furthercomprises: in response to detecting the physical movement and beforereceiving the input indicating the command to play back the audiocontent, pre-caching a portion of the audio content in the data storage.4. The playback device of claim 1, wherein a longitudinal axis of theelectrode is oriented in the horizontal plane.
 5. The playback device ofclaim 1, further comprising a metallic speaker grille covering at leastone of the one or more speakers, wherein the functions further comprise:when the playback device is playing back audio via the one or morespeakers, de-coupling the metallic speaker grille from the electrode ofthe capacitive proximity sensor; and when the playback device is notplaying back audio via the one or more speakers, coupling the metallicspeaker grille to the electrode of the capacitive proximity sensor. 6.The playback device of claim 5, wherein the metallic speaker grill isarranged vertically on the exterior of the housing.
 7. The playbackdevice of claim 1, wherein the one or more illuminable buttons comprisesa play/pause button, a skip forward button, and a skip backward button.8. The playback device of claim 1, wherein the functions furthercomprise: receiving, via the network interface from a control device,data representing control instructions.
 9. A method to be performed by aplayback device, the playback device comprising: a transport controlinterface comprising one or more illuminable buttons; one or morespeakers; an audio stage comprising one or more amplifiers configured todrive the one or more speakers; a capacitive proximity sensor configuredto detect physical movement in the horizontal plane via an electrode,the electrode comprising a radio frequency (RF) antenna; a networkinterface coupled to the RF antenna; one or more processors; a housingcarrying the one or more speakers, the audio stage, the capacitiveproximity sensor, and the network interface, wherein the transportcontrol interface is arranged on an exterior surface of the housing, themethod comprising: detecting, via the capacitive proximity sensor, aphysical movement; in response to detecting the physical movement,illuminating the one or more illuminable buttons of the transportcontrol interface; detecting, via the transport control interface, aninput indicating a command to play back audio content; and in responseto the input indicating the command to play back audio content, playingback the audio content via the one or more speakers.
 10. The method ofclaim 9, further comprising: in response to detecting the physicalmovement and before receiving the input indicating the command to playback the audio content, pre-caching a portion of the audio content inthe data storage.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein a longitudinal axisof the electrode is oriented in the horizontal plane.
 12. The method ofclaim 9, further comprising a metallic speaker grille covering at leastone of the one or more speakers, wherein the method further comprising:when the playback device is playing back audio via the one or morespeakers, de-coupling the metallic speaker grille from the electrode ofthe capacitive proximity sensor; and when the playback device is notplaying back audio via the one or more speakers, coupling the metallicspeaker grille to the electrode of the capacitive proximity sensor. 13.The method of claim 9, further comprising a metallic speaker grillecovering at least one of the one or more speakers, wherein the methodfurther comprising: when the playback device is playing back audio viathe one or more speakers, de-coupling the metallic speaker grille fromthe electrode of the capacitive proximity sensor; and when the playbackdevice is not playing back audio via the one or more speakers, couplingthe metallic speaker grille to the electrode of the capacitive proximitysensor.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the metallic speaker grillis arranged vertically on the exterior of the housing.
 15. The method ofclaim 9, wherein the one or more illuminable buttons comprises aplay/pause button, a skip forward button, and a skip backward button.16. The method of claim 9, further comprising: receiving, via thenetwork interface from a control device, data representing controlinstructions.
 17. A tangible, non-transitory computer-readable mediumhaving stored therein instructions executable by the one or moreprocessors to cause a playback device to perform functions, the playbackdevice comprising: a transport control interface comprising one or moreilluminable buttons; one or more speakers; an audio stage comprising oneor more amplifiers configured to drive the one or more speakers; acapacitive proximity sensor configured to detect physical movement inthe horizontal plane via an electrode, the electrode comprising a radiofrequency (RF) antenna; a network interface coupled to the RF antenna;one or more processors; a housing carrying the one or more speakers, theaudio stage, the capacitive proximity sensor, and the network interface,wherein the transport control interface is arranged on an exteriorsurface of the housing, the functions comprising: detecting, via thecapacitive proximity sensor, a physical movement; in response todetecting the physical movement, illuminating the one or moreilluminable buttons of the transport control interface; detecting, viathe transport control interface, an input indicating a command to playback audio content; and in response to the input indicating the commandto play back audio content, playing back the audio content via the oneor more speakers.
 18. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readablemedium of claim 17, wherein the functions further comprises: in responseto detecting the physical movement and before receiving the inputindicating the command to play back the audio content, enabling the oneor more amplifiers of the audio stage.
 19. The tangible, non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the functions furthercomprises: in response to detecting the physical movement and beforereceiving the input indicating the command to play back the audiocontent, pre-caching a portion of the audio content in the data storage.20. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17,wherein the one or more illuminable buttons comprises a play/pausebutton, a skip forward button, and a skip backward button.